Just four make the cut into thrilling jump-off as tough first-round track takes its toll; Britain’s Brash claims runner-up spot with Australia’s Tops-Alexander in third and Sweden’s Fredricson in fourth

17 Dec 2017

by Louise Parkes

He’s long been one of the fastest riders on the circuit, and today the French speedster Julien Epaillard (40) showed the rest a very clean pair of heels as he galloped to victory in the eighth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2017/2018 Western European League at Olympia in London (GBR). At the tail end of an afternoon of tough sport there were only four qualified for the jump-off from a star-studded field of 36. Last to go, Epaillard was chasing the target-time set by 2016 winner, Great Britain’s Scott Brash (32) who broke the beam in 37.34 seconds. But that wouldn’t be quick enough to hold back the flying Frenchman.

“I saw Scott go - he started quickly but I thought he was a bit careful over the last two fences so I had nothing to lose and I took a lot of risk at the last two jumps and it worked!” said Epaillard who stopped the clock in the winning time of 36.91 seconds. And he had extra reason to celebrate as he is the first French winner of the FEI World Cup™ at Olympia in 32 years.

The first-round track set by Bob Ellis proved very testing indeed, with horses and riders barely having time to draw breath between fences and often running out of steam towards the end of the course. This summer’s newly-crowned individual European champion, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, led the way against the clock with H&M Christian K, producing a cautious second clear in 41.34 seconds. And although Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander posted a quicker time of 41.05 seconds with her young horse Inca Boy van T Vianahof, the lady who topped the previous round at La Coruna (ESP) also left the door open for the remaining pair.

Brash’s 16-year-old mare Ursula has all the experience in the world, and as the London 2012 Olympic team gold medallist set off it seemed a back-to-back double of Olympia wins was well on the cards. But he under-estimated the threat from Epaillard. “I kinda thought he would be faster, but I was hoping he was going to have a jump down which he didn’t have!”, Brash said after his French rival stole the show with Toupie de la Roque.

“I have been riding her since March” said Epaillard of his bold and brave 10-year-old chestnut mare. “She comes from the Hecart family who are my neighbours and have been very good to me. I’m really pleased that we are doing our best together!”

Meanwhile today’s third placing sees Tops-Alexander move to the head of the Western European League table, sharing 50 points along with Frenchman Kevin Staut and now well-qualified for the Longines 2018 Final in Paris next April. After today’s win, that is Epaillard’s target now.

“I really want to qualify for Paris so I will go to the next qualifer in Mechelen (December 30th) and then Bordeaux (February 4th). To ride at the Final in my own country would be fantastic!” he said.

The French partnership of Julien Epaillard and his speedy mare Toupie de la Roque produced a brilliant last-to-go victory at the eighth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2017/2018 Western European League at London Olympia (GBR) today. (FEI/Jon Stroud)